If you want to hand pick the fabric for your tunics you can shop for your own fabric and send it to me.  Or you can shop online and have the fabric sent directly to me.  There are a few things you need to know before ordering fabric.  Please read the instructions below and if you have any questions please email me before buying your fabric.

Terms you need to know:

Selvage:  The selvage is the finished edge that runs the length of the fabric.

Directional Print:  A directional print is a print that can only go in one direction.  Example: if you have fabric with horses on it and you turn the fabric in a different direction and the horses are either sideways or upside down you have a directional print.

Non Directional Print:  A non directional print is a print that will look okay no matter which way you hold the fabric.  In other words, it will never look like it's sideways or upside down.

Woven Fabric:  Woven fabric does not have any stretch.

Knit Fabric:  Knit fabric typically has stretch but some knits are considered stable knits and have no significant stretch.

Fabric Width: The width of the fabric is how wide the fabric measures from one selvage edge to the other selvage edge.  In other words it's how wide the fabric is across the entire width of the fabric when it's unfolded and laying flat.

Fabric Length:  The fabric length is the amount of fabric you buy.  If you buy two yards then the fabric length is two yards long.

I prefer to work with cotton, cotton blends, rayon, rayon blends, polyester and polyester blends.  If you purchase knits it's best if they are not overly stretchy as they can be difficult to sew.  A stable knit is good or knits with a little stretch are fine too.  If you have a specialty fabric you can always send me a swatch so I can approve it before you buy your entire cut.

For sizes up to 8X:  Fabric must be at least 45" wide and can be directional or non directional.  For a tunic up to 35" long buy 2 yards.  For a tunic 36" to 44" long buy 2.5 yards of fabric.  For a tunic 45" to 54" long buy 3 yards of fabric.

For sizes 9X to 15X:  Fabric must be at least 58" wide and can be directional or non directional.  For a tunic up to 35" long buy 2 yards.  For a tunic 36" to 44" long buy 2.5 yards of fabric.  For a tunic 45" to 54" long buy 3 yards of fabric.  You can also buy fabric that is 45" wide but only if it is a non directional print (I will be turning the fabric sideways).  You will need to buy 3.5 yards of 45" wide and you can have a maximum length of about 44".

Tapestry Tunics all sizes up to 15X:  If you want to send me a tapestry all I need is the twin size (they are considered bedspreads).  I can make up to 15X with a twin tapestry and can usually go as long as 45" give or take a few inches.

Sarong Tunics up to size 8X:  For a sarong tunic up to 8X I need only one sarong.  To know how the print will look on the finished tunic fold the sarong in half and hold it in front of you with the fringe hanging at the hem.  I can leave the fringe on the hem or I can cut it off and hem it for you.  The length is usually a maximum of about 30".

Sarong Tunics up to size 15X:  For a sarong tunic up to 15X I need two matching sarongs.  To know how the print will look on the finished tunic hold a sarong in front of you by holding the fringed edges in your hands.  The length is usually a maximum of about 40" and you do not have the option of a fringed hem.

Cost:  I charge a flat fee of $20 per tunic no matter what size or how long.  That is for a tunic with a rounded neck or U-neck and no side slits.  If you want a V-notch neck there is an extra $5 fee per tunic.  If you want side slits there is an extra $5 fee per tunic.

Send fabric to:
Darlene Michaud
16 Grove Avenue
Sanford, ME 04073

If you have any questions at all email me!  If you are ordering fabric online you can always send me the link and I can tell you how much to buy.